New Illinois program aimed at juveniles hooked on methamphetamine

BENTON, Ill. -- A new methamphetamine treatment program in southern Illinois is aimed at the drug's youngest victims -- children ages 10 to 16.

The pilot program features an eight-bed unit in the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. The juveniles in the program will stay for up to six months, with half of their day taken up with school work and the other half focusing on treatment.

State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, helped push legislation that created and funded the program. They attended a brief ceremony to mark its opening Friday.

"When I go to high schools in the area, I learn, unfortunately, how much of a problem this is becoming for our youth," said Bradley.

Methamphetamine, which can come in the form of a crystal-like powder or rocklike chunks, is an addictive stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally.

Meth use has exploded over the past decade, especially in rural areas, and Forby said he has received many pleas from parents desperate to find relief for their addicted children.

"There's just no help out there right now, and without help, you are not going to get off this drug," he said.

The secure, locked residential stay will be followed up with in-community help and resources for another six months.

Bradley said if the pilot program is a success, it could be expanded.

"The need is great and hopefully we can build on the program in the future," he said.